Spring unit and assembly for railway car trucks



April 24, 1934. w E, INE 1,956,336

SPRING UNIT AND ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY CAR TRUCKS Filed Feb. 8; 1932 4Sheets-Sheet l L J5 i:\\ I "I Z i I I L I I J16 7 12 2 6 ai-ATTORNEYJApril 24, 1934.

SPRING UNIT AND ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY CAR TRUCKS W. E. WINE Filed Feb. 8.1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR /7% 161e,; MALI aATTORNEYS w. E. WINE1,956,336

SPRING UNIT AND ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY CAR TRUCKS April 24, 1934.

Filed Feb. 8, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR @AORNEYS April 24, 1934. w.E. WINE 3 SPRING UNIT AND ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY CAR TRUCKS I Filed Feb.8. 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Apr. 24, 1934 YATES SPRING UNIT ANDASSEMBLY FOR RAIL- WAY CAR TRUCKS William E. Wine, Toledo, OhioApplication February 8, 1332, Serial No.

29 Claims. (01. zen-4 My invention relates to spring units andassemblies for association with railway car truck side frames to supportthe truck bolsters.

In standard railroad practice it is customary to provide a springassembly comprising a'plurality of helical springs disposed within thewindow opening of a truck side rame for supporting the truck bolster,the number of springs employed depending upon the capacity of the carwith which they are associated. The springs are usually disposed betweenspring caps or plates and the approved practice is to arrange some ofthe springs in nested relation with others so that a maximum number maybe used within a minimum space.

Although helical spring assemblies have been in use for a number or"years, with the increased speed at which railway cars now travel,particularly freight cars, certain inherent disadvantages have beenfound to exist in the use of these springs. It is known that springs ofthis type have a definite period of vibration which synchronize with oneanother and which if synchronized with the passage of the truck wheelsover the rail joints will cause vertical displacement of the car body tosuch an extent that if continued for an appreciable length of time, asis often the case, will result in derailment of the truck wheels.

It is one of the principal objects of the inventi'on to provide a springassembly of American Railway Association (hereinafter called A. R. A.)standard with one or more volute spring units which, as is known, do nothave a definite period of vibration.

Another object of the invention is to so design the volute spring unitsso that they may, if desired, be disposed in nested relation withstandard A. R. A. helical springs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for adaptingthe volute spring to spring caps or plates of standard A. R. A. design.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved spring unitinvolving two volute springs.

A principal feature of the invention consists in providing a spring unitincluding two substantially conical volute springs each of which has aplurality of overlapping convolutions, the sirings being arranged in endto end relation with the outer ends of the innermost convolutionsthereof adjacent each other and being rigidly connected by a memberwhich extends axially of the innermost convolutions and is provided withportions ends of the innermost respectively overlapping the inner endsof the latter.

Another feature of the invention consists in rigidly connecting the twoconical volute springs which are arranged in end to end relation withthe outer ends of the innermost convolutions thereof adjacent each otherby a rigid member which extends axially of the innermost convolutionsand has its ends upset so as to overlap the inner ends of the innermostconvolutions.

Another feature of the invention consists in rigidly connecting twovolute springs which are arranged in end to end relation with the outerconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, the remote edges of theoutermost convolutions of the springs being each provided withintersecting portions respectively extending obliquely and normal to theaxes of the springs, the points of intersection of said portions of thesprings being respectively disposed 7 on opposite sides of the meansconnecting the springs.

Another feature of the invention consists in providing in combinationwith spaced spring caps of the type adapted to receive between them aplurality of nests of helical springs and which are provided with aplurality of pairs of inwardly projecting portions respectively adaptedto extend within the opposite ends of the helical spring nests forcentering them, a plu- 5 rality of spring nests interposed between thespring caps one of which comprises a nest of helical springs and anotherof which involves two volute springs arranged in end to end relation,and members respectively interposed between the spring caps and therespectively adjacent ends of the volute springs for centering thelatter with respect to one of the pairs of inwardly projecting portionsof the spring caps, each of said members having a portion for receivingthe adjacent projecting portion of the spring cap and having portionsoverlapping opposite sides of the outer surface of the associated volutespring.

Another feature of the invention consists in providing, in combinationwith spaced spring caps of the type adapted to receive between them aplurality of nests of helical springs and which are provided with aplurality of pairs of inwardly projecting portions adapted to extendwithin the opposite ends of the helical spring nests for centering them,a plurality of spring nests interposed between the spring caps, one

of which involves a helical spring and a volute spring disposed withinthe latter, and members respectively cooperating with the ends of thelast-named nest of springs for centering the latter with respect to oneof the pairs of pro jecting portions of the spring caps, each of saidmembers having a portion for receiving the projecting portion of thespring cap adjacent thereto and having portions disposed in overlappingrelation with the outer side of one of the springs of the nest.

Another feature of the invention consists in providing, in combinationwith spaced spring caps of the type adapted to receive between them aplurality of nests of helical springs and which are respectivelyprovided with a plurality of pairs of inwardly projecting portionsrespectively adapted to extend within the opposite ends of the springnests for centering them, a plurality of nests of springs interposedbetween the spring caps, at least one of said nests involving a helicalspring and a volute spring disposed within the latter, and plate-likemem bers respectively interposed between the spring caps and therespectively adjacent ends of the volute springs for centering thelatter with respect to one of said pairs of projecting portions of thespring caps, each of the plate-like members having an aperture forreceiving the projecting portion of the spring cap adjacent thereto andhaving portions overlapping the outer surface of the volute spring, thelastnamed portions of the platelike members respectively extendingbetween the volute spring and the helical spring associated therewithand serving as means for centering the latter with respect to the volutespring.

A further feature of the invention consists in providing a springassembly for a truck side frame comprising spaced spring caps and aplurality of nests of springs interposed between the latter, one of thespring nests involving a helical spring and volute spring means disposedwithin the latter, the spring caps being respectively provided withprojecting portions extending between the helical and volute springs forrestraining lateral movement of the springs with respect to the springcaps and serving to center the helical spring with respect to the volutesprings.

A still further feature of the invention consists in providing a springcap having an inwardly projecting annular flange adapted to-ex-- tendwithin a helical spring for centering the latter with a member forcentering a volute spring, the annular flange of the spring cap beingbent to secure the volute spring centering member rigidly thereto.

Other and more specific features of the invention residing inadvantageous forms, combinations and relations of parts will hereinafterappear and'be pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings illustrating different embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a spring assembly illustrating the preferredembodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the assembly shown in Figure 1,parts thereof being in section.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3 3, Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional view similar to Figure 3 of the lower portion ofthe spring'nests showing the relative position of thesprings when thenest is fully compressed.

Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of the volute spring unit.

Figure 6 is an end view of one of the volute springs, the end portionsof the innermost and outermost convolutions of the spring, which aredisposed in planes substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of thespring to afford seats therefor, being shaded.

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view of the lower portion of a voluteand helical spring nest illustrating a modified form of the invention.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a spring assembly illustrating a modifiedform of the invention.

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the spring assembly illustratedin Figure 8, portions of the spring being shown in section.

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 1010, Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a spring assembly illustrating still anothermodified form of the invention.

Figure 12 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation taken online 12--l2, Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken on line 13-43, Figure 11.

Figure 14 is an enlarged end elevational view of the innermost.convolutions of one of the helical springs of the form of the inventionshown in Figures 11 to 13 inclusive.

Figure 15 is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating. themanner in which the volute spring connecting means cooperates with theinner end of the innermost convolution of one of the volute springs.

Figure 16 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 15 being takenat right angles thereto.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, 1 designates top andbottomspring caps of standard American Railway Association design whichare, as is well known, identical in construction. The caps illustratedare of the customaryshape for use in connection with a clusteroffcurspring nests but it .will beappreciated as the specificationproceeds that the invention is applicable to caps which are designed foruse in connection with any number of spring-nests. .Each of the caps hasa main body portion 2 and a plurality of inwardly extending annularflanges 3 which are adapted to extend within the adjacent end of theassociated spring nest for centering it and restraining it from lateralmovement .with respect to the spring cap. As the caps are preferablyformed of sheet metal and the annular flanges are formed by beingstamped therefrom the latter define or border openings 4. As is usual,the spring assembly is held together by a bolt 5 which passes throughopenings formed in inwardly projecting centrally disposed depressedportio-ns6. Moreover, as is usual, the spring .capsare formedwithoutwardly extending projections or bosses 7 for cooperating withadjacent portions of the side'frame (not shown) to preventlateral-movement of the springassembly with respect to the latter. 7

In carrying out the present invention one or more of the usual helicalspring nests is replaced by a spring device which involves twosubstantially conical volute springs. In the preferred form of theinvention, namely, that shown in Figures 1 .to6 inclusive, this springdevice includes a helical spring'8 andtwo volute springs 9 and 10respectively, the volute springs being disposed within the helicalspring in nested relation therewith. Each of the volute springs has aplurality of overlapping convolutions and the springs are arranged inend to end relation with the outer ends of the innermost convolutionsthereof adjacent each other. By arranging the springs in this manner andby forming them from stock of suitable thickness and width, it has beenfound that they may have substantially the same travel and be ofsubstantially the same outside diameter as the inside helical spring ofa standard A. R. A. nest and yet have greater capacity than the latter.It follows, therefore, that a spring assembly which is composed entirelyof nests of helical and volute springs will be of considerably greatercapacity than a spring assembly composed only of nests of helicalsprings. The invention, however, is not limited to the number of nestsof volute and helical springs employed because it has been found that ifonly one of the standard helical spring nests is replaced by a nest ofhelical and volute springs this one volute spring will functionsufiiciently to prevent the undesirable amplification of the vibratoryperiod of the remaining helical spring nests. In the drawings it will beobserved that two of the standard helical spring nests have beenreplaced by combined volute and helical spring nests and it will,therefore, be appreciated that this spring assembly will be of greatercapacity than a standard A. R. A. spring assembly of the same number ofspring nests.

The volute springs 9 and 10 are rigidly connected and maintained inaxial alinement by a post or pin 11 which extends through the innermostconvolutions thereof. In the principal form of the invention this pin isin the form of a round bar and its opposite ends are upset as at 12 toform heads which respectively overlappingly engage the inner ends of theinnermost convolutions. To provide an extended bearing area between theouter ends of the innermost convolutions each is preferably disposed, asindicated at 13 by the shadedarea in Figure 6, in a plane substantiallynormal to the longitudinal axis of the spring. Moreover, the inner endsof the outermost convolutions are also respectively disposed in planessubstantially normal to the axis of the springs so as to affordsubstantially level areas for cooperating with the headed portions 12 ofthe pin 11 and so that the latter may be quickly and easily formed by ariveting tool or the like. To prevent rotation of the volute springswith respect to the connecting pin 11, the inner ends of the innermostconvolutions are formed with recessed portions 14 into which portions ofthe pin 11 will flow when its ends are upset to form the heads 12. Inthis manner the pin and springs are firmly interlocked to form a volutespring unit.

Interposed between the spring caps and the respectively adjacent ends ofthe volute spring unit are members 15 for centering the latter withrespect to the inwardly projecting annular flanges 3 of the spring capsadjacent thereto. Each of these centering members is of plate form andhas a centrally disposed opening 16 for receiving the adjacent annularflange 3 and an annular marginal flange 17 which encircles or surroundsthe outermost convolution of the adjacent volute spring. The annularflanges 17 of the members 15 extend between adjacent portions of thevolute and helical springs and thereby serve to center the latter withrespect to the volute springs and consequently with respect to thecooperating annular flanges 3 of the spring caps. By providing themembers 15 with not only center the nest of volute and helical springswith respect to the annular flanges 3 but also prevent lateral movementof this nest with respect to the spring caps, it will be observed thatno change or modification of the standard A. R. A. spring cap isnecessary and that, therefore, should an emergency repair becomenecessary a standard nest of helical springs could be inserted in placeof the nest of volute and helical springs.

To provide an extended bearing area between each volute spring and theassociated centering member 15, the outer end of the outermostconvolution of the spring is formed with a portion 18 which issubstantially normal to its longitudinal axis. As may be seen from theshaded area in Figure 6, this portion 18 extends for approximately 225of the convolution but it will be readily appreciated that it may extendfor a greater or less amount depending upon the capacity and travel ofthe spring. The point at which the normal edge of the outermostconvolution intersects with the oblique edge thereof or broadly, thepoint at which the oblique edge inclines away from whatever abutment isprovided for the spring, is termed the heel and it has been found thatwhen a volute spring is being compressed it tilts or inclines away fromits heel. The heel of the upper volute spring shown in Figure 5 isindicated by the arrow a while the heel of the lower spring is indicatedby the arrow b and it is to be observed that the heels are respectivelydisposed on opposite sides of the connecting pin 11 so that the springswill tend to tilt in opposite directions. The directions in which theupper and lower springs tend to tilt is respectively indicated by thearrows c and d. By arranging the springs in the manner described it willbe appreciated that the connecting pin, instead of being subjected tobending strains as would be the case if the heels were arranged on thesame side of the pin, is only subjected to shearing strains.

Upon referring to Figure 4, it is to be observed that when the volutesprings are fully compressed the headed ends 12 of the pin 11 do notproject beyond the spring caps 1, but are disposed within the openingsdefined by the annular flanges 3. If it should be desired to rigidlyconnect each of the members 15 to the associated spring caps, theportion of the member which borders the opening 16 thereof may beinclined or bevelled as at 19 and the cooperating annular flange 3 ofthe adjacent spring cap bent outwardly as shown at 20 in Figure 7. Inthis manner the members 15 are rigidly clamped to the spring caps butshould it become necessary, for any reason, to disconnect these parts itwill be appreciated that this may be accomplished by merely rebendingthe annular flanges 3 into upright position.

In Figures 8 to 10 inclusive of the drawings a slightly modified form ofthe invention is illustrated. In this form as well as in the preferredform, the spring assembly comprises standard A. R. A. spring capsbetween which are interposed a plurality of spring nests, two of whichinvolve helical sprin s and the other two, volute and helical springs.The volute springs which are designated by the numerals 22 and 23 are ofthe same construction as those shown in the preferred form of theinvention and are likewise connected by a pin or post 24.

trated are of standard A. R. A. design, they are springs.

formed with a plurality of pairs of inwardly projecting annular flangesrespectively adapted to extend within the opposite ends of the nests ofhelical springs with which the spring caps are designed to cooperate.

Tocenter the nests of helical and volute springs with respect to theadjacent pair of inwardly projecting flanges 25 of the spring caps,plate-like members 26 are interposed between the spring caps and theadjacent ends of the spring nests. Each of these plate-like members isformed with a centrally disposed opening or aperture 27 for receivingthe adjacent annular flange 25 of the associated spring cap and with anannular marginal flange 28 which is disposed in overlapping relation tothe outer side of the helical spring 29 surrounding the volute springs22 and 23. It will thus be perceived that as the plate-like members arerestrained from sliding along the spring caps and as they are formedwith annular flanges 28 encircling the associated helical springs 29,the latter are centered with respect to the flanges25 of the spring capsand are prevented from moving laterally. Moreover, as the volute springs22 and 23 are disposed within the helical springs 29 in nested relationtherewith, they are prevented from substantial lateral movement, theamount of such movement depending upon the clearance between theoutermost convolutions of the volute springs and the inner side of thesurrounding helical V As the plate-like members 26 are interposedbetween the ends of the helical springs 29 surrounding the volutesprings, plate-like members 30 of identical construction are alsointerposed between the spring caps and the respectively adjacent ends ofthe helical spring nests designated by the reference numeral 31. Byemploying plate-like members 30 for centering the helical spring nests31, the outside helical springs of the last-named nests can be orexactly the same iree height as the helical springs 29 which surroundthe volute springs thereby making it unnecessary for the railroad tostock springs which could be used only in combination with the volutesprings.

In Figures 11 to 16 inclusive, still another modifled form of theinvention is illustrated. As in the other forms of the invention, thespring assembly of this form includes standard A. R. A. spring caps 32which are provided with a plurality of pairs of inwardly projectingannular flanges 33 respectively adapted to extend within the oppositeends of the helical spring nests 34 with which the caps are designed tocooperate. In this form of the invention one or more of the usualhelical spring nests is replaced by a volute spring unit. For purposesof illustration two volute spring units have been shown in place of thestandard helical spring nests but it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to the number of volute spring units used inplace of the helical spring nests.

Each of th volute spring units involves two volute springs 35 and '36respectively, which are arrangedin end to end relation with the outerends of the innermost convolutions of the springs adjacent each other.The springs of each unit are connected by a hollow tubular member 3'?which extends axially of the innermost convolutions of the springs. Toprevent axial movements of the springs away from each other, the ends ofthe connecting member 37 are upset or peened over to form outwardlyprojecting peripheral flanges, 33 which overlappingly engage the innerends of the innermost convolutions. The inner end portions of theinnermost convolutions of the volute springs may be conveniently formedwith recessed portions 39 for receiving portions of the connectingmember when its ends are upset so as to interlock the latter with theflanges. In this manner, rotation of the springs with respect to eachother and with respect to the connecting member 37 is effectivelyprevented. As explained in the principal form of the invention, it ispreferred that the inner and outer ends of the innermost convolutions ofeach volute spring be disposed in planes sub: stantially normal to thelongitudinal axis of the spring.

As it is intended that the volute spring unit illustrated in the form ofthe invention shown in Figures 11 to 16 inclusive shall by itself andnotin conjunction with a helical spring take the place of a standardhelical spring nest, the stock from which the helical springs of thisform of the invention are made is considerably wider and thicker thanthe stock from which the volutesprings shown in the preferred form ofthe inven ion are made, and it has been found that a volute spring unitof substantially the proportions shown in this form of the invention andarranged insubstantially the same manner will have the same or evengreater capacity than the helical spring nest which it is to replace.Plate-like members 40 of substantially the same design as the plate-likemembers 15 are employed for centering the volute spring units of thisform of the invention. These members are interposed between the springcaps and the ends of the volute spring unit and each is formed with acentrally disposed opening or aperture 41 for receiving the adjacentflange 33 of the spring cap and with an annular marginal flange 42 whichsurrounds the outer side of the outer-, most convolution of the adjacentvolute spring. As the annular flanges 42 are concentric with the pair ofannular flanges 33 of the spring caps adjacent thereto and as themembers eOare prevented from sliding along the spring caps, it will bereadily perceived that simple and effective means is provided forcentering the volute spring units and for preventing them from movinglaterally.

From the foregoing, it will be perceived that I have provided a sprinassembly adapted to be associated with a railway car truck having springmeans for preventing amplification of the vibra tory period of helicalsprings usually employed in standard spring assemblies. Moreover, I havedesigned simple and eflicient means whereby volute spring units may beusedwith spring caps of the type designed to cooperate with helicalsprings without the necessity of modifying the caps in any way. I

Furthermore, it will, of course, be appreciated that although the springunit formed of two volute springs is, especially adapted for use inrailway car trucks, it is not limited to such use as it has been foundto be adaptable to a great variety of uses especially where maximumspring capacity is desiredin a limited spa e.

I claim:

1. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and means rigidly connectingthe innermost convolutions of said springs, said means involving a rigidmember extending axially of said last-named convolutions,andprovidedwith portions respectively overlapping the inner ends thereof.

2. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof in engagement with each other, and means rigidlyconnecting the innermost convoiutions or" said springs involving amember extending therethrough and provided with portions respectivelyoverlappingly engaging the inner ends thereof.

3. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, the major portion of the innerends of said innermost convolutions being respectively disposed inplanes substantially normal to the axes of the springs, and meansrigidly connecting said springs involving a rigid member extendingaxially of the innermost convolutions thereof and provided with portionsrespectively overlapping the inner ends of the latter.

4. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs being arranged in end toend relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and rigid means extendingaxially of said innermost convolutions for rigidly connecting saidsprings, the opposite ends of said rigid means being upset to provideportions respectively disposed in overlapping relation with the innerends of said innermost convolutions.

5. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, each end of the innermostconvolution of each spring being disposed in a plane substantiallynormal to the longitudinal axis of the spring, and means extendingthrough said innermost convolutions for rigidly connecting said springs,said means being provided with portions respectively overlapping theinner ends of said innermost convolutions.

6. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends or" the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and means extending axially ofsaid innermost convolutions for rigidly connecting said springs, saidmeans being provided with portions preventing rotation of the springswith respect thereto and being also provided with portions respectivelyoverlapping the inner ends of said innermost convolutions for preventingsaid convolutions from moving axially away from each other.

'7. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springseach having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and means extending axially ofsaid springs provided with portions respectively overlapping the innerends or said innermost convolutions for rigidly connecting the latter,the innermost convolution of each spring being provided with a recessedportion for cooperating with said rigid means to prevent rotation of thespring with respect to the latter.

8. A spring unit including two substantially V conical volute springseach having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and a rigid member extendingaxially of said springs inte rally provided with portions respectivelyoverlapping the inner ends of said innermost convolutions thereof forconnecting the springs, the inner ends of said innermost convolutionsrespectively having recessed portions and said rigid member havingportions respectively disposed within said recessed portions forpreventing relative rotation between said member and springs.

9. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs eachhaving a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and rivet means extendingaxially of the innermost convolutions of said springs for rigidlyconnecting the latter.

18. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springseach having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions adjacent each other, and means for rigidly connecting saidsprings involving a tubular member extending axially of the innermostconvolutions of said springs.

11. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springs,each having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the innermost convolutions thereofadjacent each other, and means involving a hollow tubular memberextending through said innermost convolution for rigidly connecting saidsprings, the end portions of said member being offset and beingrespectively arranged in overlapping relation to the inner ends of saidinnermost convolutions.

12. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springseach having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and means for maintaining saidsprings in substantially axial alinement, the remote ends of saidsprings respectively having edge portions extending obliquely to theaxes 13. A spring unit including "two substantially conical volutesprings each having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, saidsprings being arranged in end to end relation with the outer ends or"the innermost 'convolutions thereof adjacent each other, and means formaintaining said springs in substantially axial alinement, the remoteends of said springs respectively having edge portions extendingobliquely to the axes of the springs and edge portions disposedsubstantially normal to said axes and merging with the respectivelyadjacent oblique edge portions, the points of mergence of said edgeportions being spaced with respect to each other circumferentially ofthe springs.

14. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springseach having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the'outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and means for maintaining saidsprings in substantially axial alinement, the remote ends of saidsprings respectively having portions extending obliquely to the axes ofthe springs and edge portions disposed substantially normal to saidaxes, the oblique and normal edge portions of said springs respectivelyintersecting on diametrically opposite sides of said alining means.

15. A spring unit including two substantially conical volute springseach having a plurality of overlapping convolutions, said springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the innermost convolutions thereofadjacent each other, and means extending axially of said innermostconvolutions for rigidly connecting said springs, the remote edges ofthe outermost convolutions of the springs being each provided withintersecting portions respectively extending obliquely and normal to theaxes of the springs, the points of intersection of said portions of thesprings'being respectively disposed on opposite sides of said connectingmeans.

;16. A spring unit including two substantially conical volutespringseach havinga pluralityof overlapping convolutions, saidsprings beinarranged in end to end relation with the innermost convolutions thereofadjacent each other, and means extending axially of said springs forrigidly connecting the latter, the major portion of the remote edges ofthe outermost convolutions of said springs being substantially normal tothe axes of the latter and said outermost convolutions terminating onopposite sides of said connecting ,means.

17. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps adapted to receive between them a plurality of nests of helicalsprings and provided with ,a

J plurality of pairsof inwardly projecting portions respectively adaptedto extend within the opposite ends of said spring nests for centeringthem, a plurality of spring units interposed between the spring caps, atleast one of said units comprising a nest of helical springs and anotherof said units involving two volute springs respectively having aplurality of overlapping convolutions, said volute springs beingarranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of the innermostconvolutions thereof adjacent each other, and members respectivelyinterposed between said spring caps and the ends of the volute springsrespectively adjacent thereto for centering said volute spring unit withrespect to one of said pairs of inwardly projecting portions, each ofsaid members having a portion for receiving the said projecting portionadjacent thereto and having portions overlapping opposite sides of theouter surface of the associated volute spring.

18. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps adapted to receive between them a plurality of nests of helicalsprings and provided with a plurality of pairs .of inwardly projectingportions respectively adapted to extend within the opposite ends .ofsaid spring nests for centering them, a plurality of spring unitsinterposed between the spring caps, at least one of said unitscomprising a nest of helical springs and another of said units involvingtwo volute springs respectively having a plurality of overlappingconvolutions, said volute springs being arranged in end to ,end relationwith the outer ends of the innermost convolutions thereof adjacent eachother, and plate like members respectively interposed between saidspring caps and the ends of the volute springs respectively adjacentthereto for centering said volute spring unit with respect to onezofsaid pairs of inwardly projecting portions, each of said members havingan opening for receiving the said projecting portion adjacent-theretoandhaving an annular flange surrounding theouter side-of the associatedvolute spring.

19. A spring assembly for association with a railway ,car truck side"frame to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spacedspring caps adaptedto receive between them a plurality of nests ofhelical springs and provided withia plurality of pairs I of inwardlyprojecting portions respectively adapted ,to extend within the oppositeendsof said spring nests for centeringthem,

a plurality of nests of springs interposedbetween the springcaps, atleastoneof said nestsiinvolving a helical spring and a volute springdisposed within the latter, and members ,respectivelyinterposed betweenthe springlcaps and the respectively adjacent ends of the.volutespringfor centering the latter with respect .to onelof the saidpairs of projecting portions .of the spring icaps,

reach .of said interposed members having .a porbolster, .said assemblycomprising spaced spring caps adapted to receive between thema pluralityof nests of helical springs and provided with ;a plurality of pairs ofinwardly projecting portions respectivelyadapted-to extend withintheiopposite ends of said spring nests for centering them, a pluralityof .nests of springs interposed between the spring caps, at least one orsaid nests involving ,a 'helical spring and a volute spring disposedwithin the latter, and plate like members respectively interposedbetween the spring caps and the respectively adjacent .ends .of thevolute spring for centering :the latter with respect .to one of saidpairs of projecting portions of the spring caps, each .of saidplate-like members having an aperture for receiving the said projectingportion adjacent thereto and having portions overlapping the outersurface of the volute spring, said lastnamed portions of the plate-likemembers respectively extending between the volute spring and the helicalspring associated therewith and serving as means for centering thelatter with respect to the volute spring.

21. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps adapted to receive between them a plurality of nests of helicalsprings and provided with a plurality of pairs of inwardly projectingannular flanges adapted to extend within the opposite ends of saidspring nests for centering them, a plurality of nests of springsinterposed between said spring caps, at least one of said nestsinvolving a helical spring and a volute spring disposed within thelatter, and members respectively interposed between the spring caps andthe ends lid Ll ed of the volute spring respectively adjacent theretofor centering the latter with respect to one of said pairs'cf annularflanges of the spring caps, each of said interposed members having aportion for receiving the adjacent annular flange and also having anannular flange overlapping the outer face of the volute spring.

22. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps adapted to receive between them a plurality of nests of helicalsprings and provided with a plurality of pairs of inwardly projectingannular flanges respectively adapted to extend within the opposite endsof the said springs nests for centering them, a plurality of nests ofsprings interposed between said spring caps, at least one of said nestsinvolving a helical spring and a volute spring disposed within thelatter, and plate-like members respectively interposed between thespring caps and the respectively adjacent ends of the volute spring forcentering the latter with respect to one of said pairs of annularflanges of the spring caps, each of said plate-like members having acentrally disposed opening for receiving the adjacent annular flange andhaving an annular flange surrounding the portion or the volute springadjacent thereto, said annular flanges of the plate-like members beinginterposed between said volute and the helical spring associatedtherewith and serving as means for centering the latter with respect tothe volute spring.

23. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps, and a plurality of nests of springs interposed between the springcaps, one of the nests of springs involving a helical spring and volutespring means disposed within the latter, said spring caps beingrespectively provided with projecting portions extending between saidhelical and volute springs for restraining lateral movement of saidsprings with respect to the spring caps and serving to center saidhelical spring with respect to said volute spring. 7

24. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps, and a plurality of nests of springs interposed between the springcaps, one of the nests of springs involving a helical spring and volutespring means disposed within the latter, said spring caps beingrespectively provided with inwardly projecting annular flanges extendingbetween said helical and volute springs, each of said flanges encirclingthe volute spring and serving as means for centering the helical springwith respect to the latter.

25. A spring assembly for association with a railway car truck sideframe to support a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced springcaps, and a plurality of nestsof springs interposed between the springcaps, one of said nests of springs involving a helical spring and aplurality of volute springs disposed within the latter, said volutesprings respectively having a plurality of overlapping convolutions andbeing arranged in end to end relation with the outer ends of theinnermost convolutions thereof adjacent each other, each of said springcaps having an inwardly projecting portion extending between the volutespring adjacent thereto and said helical spring, said projectingportions respectively serving to restrain lateral movement of the volutesprings with respect to the spring caps and constituting means forcentering the helical spring with respect to the volute springs.

26. A spring assembly for association with a car truck frame to supporta truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced spring caps adapted toreceive between them a nest of helical springs and provided with aplurality of pairs of inwardly projecting annular flanges respectivelyadapted to extend within the opposite ends of said nests of springs forcentering the latter, a plurality of nests of springs interposed betweenthe spring caps, at least one of said nests involving a volute springdevice, and members respectively interposed between the spring caps andthe respectively adjacent ends of the spring device for centering thelatter with respect to one of said pairs of annular flanges, saidmembers having portions for respectively receiving said annular flangesand the latter having portions bent outwardly to clamp said members tothe respective spring caps.

27. A spring assembly for association with a car truck side frame tosupport a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced spring capsadapted to receive between them a nest of helical springs and providedwith a plurality of pairs of inwardly projecting annular flangesrespectively adapted to extend within the opposite ends of said nests ofsprings'for centering the latter, a plurality of nests of springsinterposed between the spring caps, at least one of said nests involvinga volute spring device, and members respectively interposed between thespring caps and the respectively adjacent ends of the spring device forcentering the latter with respect to one of said pairs of annularflanges, each of said members having an opening for receiving theannular flange of the spring cap adjacent thereto and said annularflange being bent outwardly to overlappingly engage portions of saidmember for clamping the latter to the associated spring cap.

28. A spring assembly for association with a car truck side frame tosupport a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced spring capsadapted to receive between them a nest of helical springs and providedwith a plurality of pairs of inwardly projecting annular flangesrespectively adapted to extend within the opposite ends of said nests ofsprings for centering the latter, a plurality of nests of springsinterposed between the spring caps, at least one of said nests involvinga volute spring device, and members respectively interposed between thespring caps and the respectively adjacent ends of the spring device forcentering the latter with respect to one of said pairs of annularflanges, each of said members having a portion for receiving the annularflange of the spring cap adjacent thereto andhaving portions overlappingopposite sides of the volute spring device, said members beingrespectively secured to said spring caps by said annular flanges.

29. A spring assembly for association with a; car truck side frame tosupport a truck bolster, said assembly comprising spaced spring capsadapted to receive between them a nest of helical springs and providedwith a plurality of pairs of inwardly projecting annular flangesrespectively adapted to extend within the opposite ends of said nests ofsprings for centering the latter, a plurality of nests of springsinterposed between the spring caps, at least one of said nests involvinga volute spring device, and members rebeing inclined with respect to theaxis thereof and and said annular flange being bent outwardly tooverlappingly engage said inclined portion for securing said member tothe associated spring cap.

WILLIAM E. WINE.

